Council fears N71 speed limit reduction will have detrimental effect on West Cork

Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said the delays caused by increased journey times will have a serious detrimental impact on West Cork’s economy

Cork County Council workers changing a speed limit sign in Union Hall, West Cork, earlier this month. Picture: Andy Gibson

Consumers in peripheral areas of West Cork have been warned that the cost of goods and services will rise if the Department of Transport goes ahead with plans later this year to reduce the speed limit on the only main road serving the region.

Cork County Council is to write to the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien urging him to row back on proposals to lower the speed limit on the N71 from 100km/hr to 80km/hr.